API SL oil?

[CougarRed]

SM is the current spec (since 2004). If you go to the API website, they say SL oil should only be used in engines built in 2004 and earlier.

Most of the Fuchs oils are API SL oils. They are getting some great wear results on UOA.

Is there a problem in using an SL oil in an engine built after 2004?

 

[justinf89]

sm is for after 2004. It clearly says don't use SL after 2004 on most sites I've read. Don't know why.

I do know what your getting at though, sorry I cant help

 

[d00df00d]

That's a CYA statement by the API. The reality is not that cut-and-dry. Many engines built after 2004 can use many API SL oils (e.g. almost any modern BMW can use GC).


As I understand:

API SM has lower limits for certain additives in xw-30 and xw-20 oils to help prolong the life of your catalytic converter. It's also a stricter spec overall. If you buy an SL oil, there's no guarantee that it'll perform well enough for an application requiring SM, and/or it might have too much of those cat-poisoning additives. So, if your car requires API SM, you might not want to use an API SL oil unless you KNOW it'll protect well enough and you don't care about the life of your catalytic converter (which, in all seriousness, will probably be fine unless your car burns a lot of oil).

The lower additive levels only apply to xw-20 and xw-30 oils, though. If you're using an xw-40 or higher, there's no reason to pick SL over SM.

 

[JHZR2]

I just used some new old stock GC from my stash in my basement. It was gold M06 stock - so 2006, and API SL.

It held the VW 502 spec, so it is OK for our 08 rabbit, less the API SM rating that was indeed the spec in 08...

But the car uses no oil, so Im not really concerned.

But SL was still being produced in 06 at least, fwiw.

 

[daman]

SL oils can be used in any engine with out issues,matter of fact i would rather use SL/CI4 oils.

 

[spasm3]

I've always wondered if the SL oils add pack were better than the current.

 

[JHZR2]

Only if you love obsolete technology...

I can't say there is any evidence that Ive seen to say that SM is worse in any way than SL. Same for CJ-4 versus CI-4.

Maybe others have reams of overwhelming data... I for one would not rely on ZDDP as my engine's savior, rather use it with other more advanced adds to do the job better.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: CougarRed
SM is the current spec (since 2004). If you go to the API website, they say SL oil should only be used in engines built in 2004 and earlier.

Most of the Fuchs oils are API SL oils. They are getting some great wear results on UOA.

Is there a problem in using an SL oil in an engine built after 2004?


That depends. Remember that a lot of European vehicles don't use the API classification system, or only use it as a fall back position. A lot of European vehicles' manuals specify VW/MB/BMW Specification X. Some list ACEA specs. I've also seen them specify their own spec, as the first choice, ACEA spec if nothing else is available, and latest API spec as the third choice if nothing else is available.

I'm sure the Fuchs oil, like GC, meets a lot of current European specifications, without worrying much about SM. How many European cars actually have SM as the only required specification? North America is obviously different.

 

[NHHEMI]

Other than warranty concerns there is absolutely NO reason why SL oil can not be used in vehicles newer than 2004.

 

[JHZR2]

So long as you believe that oils that can be 4-6 years old now are still OK...

 

[BobFout]

Originally Posted By: Garak
How many European cars actually have SM as the only required specification? North America is obviously different.


If it's not none, it's very few. (talking anything modern)

Being in NA doesn't mean the primary spec will be API. (some might list it as secondary / tertiary after ACEA)

If API oils are allowed, the order usually goes: Manufacturer, ACEA, API.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
So long as you believe that oils that can be 4-6 years old now are still OK...


API SL is still an active/current service level and you could buy SL oil that is newer( i.e. mfg date )than an SM oil.